US stocks hover near record highs as traders weigh strong earnings against stimulus concerns

Reuters / Andrew Kelly US stocks were mixed on Wednesday as positive retail earnings faced off against renewed trade concerns. The S&P 500 edged higher to a new intraday record a day after closing at an all-time high on Tuesday. Better-than-expected earnings from Target and Lowe's propped up the benchmark index. Investors also weighed signs of mild stimulus progress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested on Tuesday that Democrats might nix some facets of their proposal to expedite a relief packag...